Chhattisgarh, MP Done, All Eyes Now On Rajasthan: Who Are the Frontrunners?

After setting the suspense in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will now pick the new chief minister face in Rajasthan on Tuesday.

With high anticipation, the saffron party is set to finalize its pick for the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan through a crucial legislature party meeting scheduled for 4 pm today. This meeting marks the culmination of over 10 days of intense speculation and negotiations following the party's impressive victory in the recent assembly elections.

The meeting, to be held at the BJP's state headquarters, will be presided over by central observer Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with co-observers Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawde. All newly elected MLAs are mandated to attend, and the party's choice for the next Chief Minister will be announced during the meeting.

Who Will Be The Next CM of Rajasthan: Who Are the Frontrunners?

• Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje: Raje's extensive experience and strong political base make her a formidable candidate. Her supporters are hopeful that the BJP might opt for a familiar face to lead the state.
• MLA Baba Balaknath: Balaknath's dedicated work and clean image have garnered him significant support within the party. His selection could signify a shift towards a younger leadership.
• Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal: Meghwal's influence in the Jat community and his association with the central government could make him a valuable asset in the role of Chief Minister.
• Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Shekhawat's strong organizational skills and his performance as Union Minister of Jal Shakti have made him a viable contender.
• Diya Kumari: Diya Kumari's royal lineage and her popularity among the youth could make her a potential dark horse candidate.
• Shrichand Kriplani: He is considered close to former chief minister Vasundhara Raje. He comes from Sindhi community and is the MLA from Nimbahera. He has served as the Housing and Urban Development Minister under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in Rajasthan from 2016 to 2018.
• Ashwini Vaishnaw:Vaishnaw, equipped with a rich background in both bureaucracy and the corporate sphere, has held the position of a Rajya Sabha member from Odisha since June 2019. He entered the political realm after serving as a collector in Cuttack and Balasore, establishing ties with the BJP while working in the Prime Minister's Office during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure. Additionally, Vaishnaw holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

It must be noted several MLAs were seen visiting Vasundhara Raje residence in the morning, heightening speculations about the outcome of the evening meeting.

In recent days, seven BJP MLAs have rallied behind the former Rajasthan chief minister, showcasing apparent support amidst rumors suggesting a replication of the Madhya Pradesh formula, potentially bringing in a fresh face for the state's top post.